This intensive, full-time programme provides an accelerated pathway into the physiotherapy profession. Students develop expertise in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, and research while gaining extensive hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health settings and private practices.

Why Study the Master of Physiotherapy Practice at AUT?

• Graduate-entry pathway to become a registered physiotherapist.
• Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Strong emphasis on clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements integrated throughout the programme.
• Active, student-centred learning using clinical case scenarios, simulations and role plays.
• Research project integrated into the curriculum.
• Modern physiotherapy laboratories and simulation facilities.
• High graduate employability in New Zealand's healthcare sector.

Programme Structure

Students complete 240 points over two years.

Year One

Students develop knowledge and skills in:

• General healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Clinical reasoning
• Evidence-based physiotherapy assessment
• Physiotherapy management techniques
• Research methods
• Early observational clinical experiences

Year Two

Students progress to advanced clinical practice through:

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy II
• Physiotherapy in Primary Care
• Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice
• Physiotherapy Across the Care Continuum
• Elective postgraduate course
• PHTY995 Physiotherapy Research Project (30 points)

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study subjects including:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Cardiovascular Physiotherapy
• Respiratory Physiotherapy
• Rehabilitation
• Primary Healthcare
• Clinical Assessment
• Clinical Reasoning
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Research Methods
• Professional Practice
• Ethics
• M?ori Health
• Physiotherapy Across the Care Continuum
• Physiotherapy Research Project

Disciplines / Areas of Practice

Graduates are prepared to practise across a broad range of physiotherapy settings, including:

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Community Rehabilitation
• Primary Healthcare
• Older Adult Care
• Paediatric Physiotherapy
• Hospital-Based Physiotherapy
• Private Practice

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 professional master's qualification.
• Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (current accreditation through 31 December 2028).
• 240-point graduate-entry programme.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements integrated throughout the course.
• Active learning through simulations, clinical cases and collaborative learning.
• Strong research component including an independent research project.
• Modern physiotherapy teaching laboratories.
• Eligibility to apply for registration as a physiotherapist in New Zealand upon successful completion.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as registered physiotherapists (subject to professional registration) in:

• Public Hospitals
• Private Hospitals
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Community Health Services
• Sports Medicine Clinics
• Orthopaedic Clinics
• Neurological Rehabilitation Services
• Aged Care Facilities
• Private Physiotherapy Practices
• Primary Healthcare Organisations

Typical career roles include:

• Physiotherapist
• Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
• Sports Physiotherapist
• Community Physiotherapist
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
• Hospital Physiotherapist
• Clinical Rehabilitation Practitioner

Visa Requirements

International students enrolled full-time generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Applicants typically need:

• Offer of Place from AUT.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Approved medical and travel insurance.

Because the programme includes compulsory clinical placements, students must also complete:

• Police vetting.
• Children's Act safety checks.
• Current immunisation requirements.
• Health screening.
• Any additional placement compliance requirements specified by AUT or placement providers.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3840.
• Qualification Level: NZQF Level 9.
• Credits: 240 points.
• Duration: 2 years full-time.
• Campus: AUT North Campus.
• 2027 Intake: Begins 25 January 2027.
• Application Deadline: 30 October 2026.
• Accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand until 31 December 2028.
• Students must meet HPCA Act and Children's Act requirements before clinical placements.
• Clinical placements are compulsory and progressively increase from observational experiences to full-time professional practice.